Rib cartilage is generally considered a permanent structural material — once it integrates with the surrounding tissue, it's designed to provide long-term support rather than a temporary result. Published research shows resorption rates are quite low overall, and notably lower with finely diced or particulated techniques compared to a single larger carved piece.
That said, "permanent" doesn't mean the nose stops changing entirely — skin, soft tissue, and the surrounding structures continue to age naturally over the years, the same way they would regardless of what augmentation material was used. The cartilage framework itself, however, is built to remain stable for the long term.
Consultation Tip
Ask Dr. Kim what long-term changes, if any, you might expect to see over 10-20 years — understanding the difference between the stable cartilage framework and the natural aging of your skin helps set accurate expectations.
Ready to talk to Dr. Kim? Reach out on WhatsApp to book your video consultation: Chat with us on WhatsApp (+82 10-4434-6234)
— Dr. Hyung-taek Kim, KOWON Plastic Surgery
